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Power to the islands in the Caribbean

The Caribbean is trying to develop its hydrocarbon potential while cutting dependence on refined product imports by boosting use of renewables. Gas may play a role in the transition, but it is likely to be a small oneThe Caribbean is trying to develop its hydrocarbon potential while cutting dependence on refined product imports by boosting use of renewables. Gas may play a role in the transition, but it is likely to be a small one.

The Point Fortin plant can deliver LNG to the Caribbean, but only at a comparatively high price. (Shell)

Small Island Developing States in the Caribbean are transitioning from legacy energy supplies based on refined products to renewable sources including solar, wind and biofuels. The region also has significant oil and gas potential, but unresolved border issues have discouraged its exploitation.

Whereas gas is being hailed by IOCs as the fuel of the future because it can support growth in renewables by reducing intermittency problems, the high cost of delivering gas to the islands makes it unviable in economic terms in the Caribbean.

So far, only...

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